WHITE RIVER JUNCTION — Free forums to help prevent consumer fraud will take place in White River Junction, Castleton, Montpelier and Woodstock.

The forums are hosted by the Vermont attorney general’s office and AARP Vermont.

They will provide tips, free materials and information about the latest scams and how to avoid becoming a victim.

Vermonters are losing thousands of dollars every week to various kinds of consumer fraud, and more than half of the victims are people over 50, the state’s AARP said in a recent news release.

“Whether it’s bogus investment deals, the grandparent scam, e-mail ploys, lottery scams, or the newest ID theft scheme, sophisticated con artists are busy at work coming up with new ways to get consumers to hand over their hard-earned money,” the AARP said.

“It’s important for residents to keep up to date on the latest scams and schemes to help protect themselves, their families and friends.”

According to the Vermont attorney general’s office, the following scams are active in Vermont:

The Grandparent scam, which involves calls from someone claiming to be a loved one in trouble in Canada, seeking money by wire transfer.

A free security system scam, with “phishing” calls claiming to offer the product in exchange for a monthly service fee.

A sweepstakes scam, with calls claiming a resident has won a sweepstakes, requesting wire transfer, check or credit card for fees to receive winnings.